Abstract:
Disclosed herein are methods for creating opalescence in dental materials and restorations, compositions used in such methods, and the resultant dental materials and restorations. More particularly, the opalescence may be created by directly embedding opalescent particles into a matrix material. In some embodiments, photonic crystals are embedded in the dental material to achieve the opalescent effect. Photonic crystal particles may be embedded in dental materials matrices such as ceramics, composites, and polymers, and can generate opalescence in the materials. Some embodiments disclose compositions for applying the opalescence to a dental restoration.
Abstract:
A dental prosthetic positioning assembly comprises an occlusal assembly and a maxillary arch subassembly. The occlusal assembly includes a maxillary tray configured to be formed in a patient's maxillary alveolar ridge, wherein the maxillary tray comprises a occlusal rim component. The occlusal assembly further includes a carriage frame component composed of biocompatible magnetic metal material anchored to the maxillary tray. The maxillary arch subassembly comprises a plurality of prosthetic maxillary teeth components magnetically anchored to the occlusal rim component. The carriage frame component is moveable with respect to the maxillary tray. The prosthetic maxillary teeth components are individually moveable with respect to each other to achieve a desired dental positioning.
Abstract:
Zirconia blanks useful for dental CAD/CAM applications, particularly, zirconia blanks made from a single colloidal solution containing multiple particle populations which form a gradient which may be used to impart color or other characteristics comparable to that found in natural teeth, and methods of making them. Some embodiments relate to colloidal casting methods of making such blanks, and blanks made by the method. The ceramic particles having a mean particle size specific to their color.
Abstract:
An ozone generator (14) utilizes one or more cylindrical anodes (66) having disposed centrally therein an elongated cylindrical dielectric tube (58). The dielectric tube (58) is filled with an inert gas at low pressure and contains at a first end thereof beyond the encirclement of the anode (66) a relatively short electrode. In a preferred embodiment, the electrode takes the shape of a cone having the small end (102) thereof coupled through the first end of the dielectric envelope (58) to a source of high energy alternating electric power. The large end of the cone is open and directed toward the far end of the dielectric envelope (58). Electrons are emitted from the electrode and focused down the length of the dielectric envelope (58), creating an electron haze which induces a variety of electron focusing phenomena in an annular reaction space (72) between the dielectric envelope (58) and the encircling anode (66). These electron focusing phenomena include a corona an the outside of the dielectric envelope (58), high voltage spikes between the dielectric envelope (58) and anode (66), and a virtual plasma filling the annular reaction space (72). The electron focusing phenomena induce ozone formation when oxygen bearing feed gas is pumped down the length of the reaction space (72). The exterior of the anode (66) is provided with a water jacket (76) for heat removal. Use of the ozone generator in a water purification system is disclosed for illustrative purposes.
Abstract:
Masking compositions useful for dental restoration, particularly masking compositions used as a coating to mask the unnatural color of milled lithium-silicate glass-ceramic dental restorations in soft states before crystallization cycle, and method of making same. Some embodiments relate to masking compositions comprising at least one glaze 5 powder, at least one opacifier, and at least one colorant. Some embodiments relate to coating, drying, cooling, characterizing, and firing of dental restorations.